Riot Games Cuts 50% of 2XKO Team – Is the Fighting Game in Trouble?
The volatility of the gaming industry has struck again. Just weeks after its official 1.0 launch, Riot Games is significantly reducing the development team for 2XKO.
The 2v2 fighter set in the League of Legends universe hasn’t managed to retain the player base Riot expected. Consequently, nearly half the team is being let go. Here is the reality behind the scenes and what it means for the game’s future.
Missed Targets and “Refocusing”
According to Executive Producer Tom Cannon, the game has a passionate core audience, but the broader numbers just aren’t there.
Cannon explained that despite expanding from PC to consoles in January, overall engagement did not reach the levels needed to sustain the current team size. The studio is pivoting to a “sustainable” development path. This means a smaller, tighter squad focused on key improvements rather than massive expansion.
Riot insists this isn’t a cancellation. They maintain the work done so far is valuable, but financial reality requires a strategy shift.
— Riot Games (@riotgames) February 9, 2026
The Human Cost: 30-Minute Notices
The reduction is severe. Reports indicate roughly 80 employees are being laid off, representing nearly 50% of the 2XKO staff.
While Riot’s official statement emphasized supporting departing employees with severance, the reality on the ground appears sharper.
Patrick “pattheflip” Miller, a former producer who spent a decade working on 2XKO, shared a stark update. He stated he was “laid off with thirty minutes notice.”
- The Contrast: Public statements emphasize a “human” transition.
- The Reality: Veteran developers with 12-year tenures are exiting abruptly.
- The Support: Industry legends like Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon are rallying support.
Also learn more about the 2XKO 1.0 launch and which edition is the best for you!
The Future of Your Main: Is 2XKO Safe?
If you are currently grinding ranked matches, you might be worried about servers shutting down. The good news is that Riot is not pulling the plug. They have confirmed that plans for the 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged.
With half the workforce gone, updates will be slower and targeted toward specific community feedback rather than sweeping changes. 2XKO remains free-to-play on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
It is still a polished fighter, even if its development engine has slowed down.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
Download the Allkeyshop Browser Extension Free
For all the latest video game news, trailers, and best deals, make sure to bookmark us.
You can find all the best and cheapest online deals on CD keys, game codes, gift cards, and antivirus software from the verified CD key sellers on our store pages.
To not miss any news on Allkeyshop, subscribe on
Google News
.
MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES
